Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green sparked immediate backlash after questioning Austin Reaves’ viability as the team’s primary secondary option in a recent “Gil’s Arena” clip. Green, a member of the 2020 championship roster, argued that Reaves’ production “has to be more” following LeBron James’ departure, suggesting the sixth-year pro was not yet ready to shoulder the increased offensive burden. However, Reaves responded with a resounding on-court rebuttal just 24 hours later, leading the Lakers to a 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons while starting point guard Luka Doncic sat out due to back tightness.
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Reaves delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a season-high 43 points on efficient 14-for-27 shooting from the field. The guard demonstrated elite range and composure, draining four of six three-point attempts and converting all 11 of his free throws. His 40-point output on 27 attempts mirrors the high-volume scoring profile of Doncic, who averages a league-leading 40.1 points per game. By stepping up to fill Doncic’s void, Reaves validated his role as the undisputed No. 2 option, proving he can sustain high-level production even when the team’s star is unavailable.
The emphatic win and Reaves’ statistical dominance have ignited a wave of support from the Lakers fanbase, with social media users flooding Green’s channels with the phrase “Come to the Table.” The narrative has shifted from doubt to affirmation, as Reaves’ ability to carry the offense has become a central pillar of the team’s current identity. Post-game, Reaves added a touch of levity by joking with his “frenemy” Doncic about a banked-in three-pointer, reinforcing the strong chemistry that continues to drive the Lakers’ success despite roster challenges.
Source: Yahoo Sports
